Robots were built, drones took flight, chemical reactions came to life and young scientists explored everything from forensic science to liquid nitrogen as the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its STEM Summer Camp last week. Held from 17–21 August 2026, the five-day programme welcomed young learners aged 11–13 to the UCCI campus for an immersive week of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, continuing a programme that has been introducing Cayman's young people to the possibilities of STEM since its inception in 2017.
Throughout the week, students moved between a diverse range of hands-on experiences, including robotics, chemistry experiments, microscope exploration, environmental science, mathematics games, 3D design and printing, terrarium building, liquid nitrogen demonstrations, forensic science, physics, drone flying, computer programming and vlogging. Drone flying and activities involving liquid nitrogen were once again among the highlights for participants. The 10-year milestone marks an important chapter for a programme that has created opportunities for young people to experience STEM beyond the traditional classroom. Through experimentation, problem-solving and practical discovery, participants are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas, work collaboratively and develop the confidence to explore areas that may one day influence their educational and career choices. Over the past decade, the programme has continued to evolve alongside developments in science and technology, introducing participants to a growing range of disciplines and emerging fields.
Its reach has also expanded beyond Grand Cayman, with STEM Camps held in Cayman Brac in 2021 and 2024, while UCCI's 50th anniversary in 2025 saw the initiative take a special form through the University's “50 for 50th” STEM Summer Workshops, creating opportunities for more than 100 young people to participate in STEM learning. Dr. Antoinette Gayle, who leads the programme alongside a team of UCCI faculty, staff, facilitators and volunteers, reflected on the significance of reaching the 10-year milestone.
“Reaching our 10th year of hosting STEM Summer Camps is a very special milestone. Since the programme began in 2017, our goal has been to give young people opportunities to experience STEM in ways that are practical, engaging and fun. Seeing their excitement as they build, experiment, solve problems and discover something new reminds us why this programme continues to matter. We are tremendously grateful to our facilitators, volunteers and community partners, particularly Enterprise Cayman, whose support from the very beginning has helped us continue creating these opportunities for Cayman's young people,” said Dr. Gayle.
At the heart of the programme are the young people themselves. Beyond learning new concepts, the camp provides participants with opportunities to build confidence, collaborate with their peers and discover how science and technology connect with the world around them. The anniversary also celebrates a longstanding partnership with Enterprise Cayman, a Cayman Enterprise City initiative, which has provided financial support for UCCI's STEM Summer Camp since its inception in 2017. The decade-long partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for young people to engage with STEM and supporting the development of skills that will become increasingly important to the future workforce. “Cayman Enterprise City is incredibly proud to have supported UCCI’s STEM Summer Camp from the very beginning. Over the past 10 years, we have seen how early exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics can spark curiosity, build confidence, and open young people’s eyes to careers they may never have considered. Investing in STEM education is ultimately an investment in Cayman’s future.
As technology and innovation sectors continue to reshape our economy, we need to ensure Cayman’s young people have the skills, positive experiences, and opportunities to participate in that future and help shape it. We congratulate UCCI on this important milestone and look forward to continuing our partnership.” said Charlie Kirkconnell, CEO of Cayman Enterprise City and Chairman of Enterprise Cayman. The success of the 2026 programme was also made possible through the support of the wider Cayman Islands community. Water Authority – Cayman provided reusable water bottles, supporting the camp's efforts to remain plastic-free, as well as thumb drives for participants; Cayman Water provided camp bags; Pure Air Ltd donated liquid nitrogen for scientific demonstrations; AIT provided discounted rates on t-shirt printing; and Book Nook matched gift certificates purchased for student prizes, allowing more participants to be recognised. Support also came from within UCCI and the wider community, with faculty, staff, student counsellors, facilitators and volunteers contributing their time and expertise throughout the week.
The Department of Environment also supported the programme through volunteer participation, further connecting students with professionals and practical applications of STEM within the Cayman Islands. President and Chief Executive Officer Nanalie Cover congratulated Dr. Gayle and the STEM Summer Camp team on reaching the milestone, recognising the programme's contribution to extending UCCI's educational impact beyond the classroom and creating opportunities for young people across the Cayman Islands to discover and develop their potential.
The 10th anniversary reflects UCCI's broader commitment to education that responds not only to the needs of today's students, but also to the future needs of the Cayman Islands. By introducing young people to STEM at an early age, the University is helping to nurture curiosity, creativity and problem-solving while creating pathways towards fields that will play an increasingly important role in the country's continued development. As technology, innovation and scientific advancement continue to reshape industries and create new opportunities, developing local talent with the confidence, knowledge and skills to participate in these fields will remain essential.
Programmes such as STEM Summer Camp provide an early opportunity for young Caymanians to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, technologists, environmental specialists, innovators and entrepreneurs. UCCI's commitment to STEM education will continue later this year with its STEM Conference, taking place from 10–13 November 2026. The conference will provide another opportunity to engage students in STEM learning, innovation and future career possibilities.
For UCCI, the 10th anniversary of STEM Summer Camp represents more than the longevity of a summer programme. It represents a decade of young people asking questions, testing ideas, solving problems and discovering what they are capable of achieving. As the 2026 campers complete their week at UCCI, they join a growing community of young people who have participated in the programme over the past decade, carrying forward new knowledge, new experiences and new possibilities for where STEM might take them next.